THCV and Mounjaro: the two sides of the new era of weight loss

In June 2025, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the use of Mounjaro for weight loss, expanding the application of the medication which, since 2023, was already authorized in Brazil for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Produced by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, the medicine has as its active ingredient tirzepatide, a molecule of the GLP-1 and GIP dual agonists class, which acts directly on the brain's satiety centers. Like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda, Mounjaro is part of the list of so-called "slimming pens".

However, among supporters of cannabinoid therapy, a natural substitute is beginning to gain prominence: tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). This cannabinoid, one of over 145 identified in the cannabis plant, has been studied for its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory effects, and especially for its action on appetite control and regulation of energy metabolism.

The office experience with THCV

"I have seen consistent and, more importantly, sustainable results," says nutritionist Dr. Ailane Araújo, who monitors the use of THCV in her clinical practice. According to her, although Mounjaro presents significant clinical results — with up to 22% weight loss in 18 months — THCV is not far behind, considering the set of factors involved in obesity treatment.

"The difference lies in how. THCV not only reduces appetite, it rebalances the endocannabinoid system. This means treating the emotional causes of obesity, which are often the root of the problem," explains Ailane.

In her practice, patients report not only weight loss but also the interruption of cycles of food cravings and the maintenance of lost weight even after the end of treatment.

Between robust data and clinical promises

While Mounjaro already has multicenter clinical studies with thousands of participants, THCV for weight loss is still paving the way with initial clinical evidence.

"Unfortunately, we still do not have randomized, double-blind studies in humans that prove the effects of THCV on weight loss. But the individual results I see on a daily basis are extremely promising," ponders Ailane.

Geriatrician and nutritionist Dr. Paulo Casali shares the same view and sees the cannabinoid as part of the future therapeutic arsenal against obesity. "In the medium term, these studies should emerge, confirming the effects already observed in clinical practice. THCV acts complementarily: it inhibits appetite, reduces anxiety, and controls food cravings".

THCV and its safety

If on one hand Mounjaro is effective, on the other, its side effects do not go unnoticed. "More than 60% of my patients constantly feel nausea and diarrhea. Hair loss, constipation, headaches, and significant loss of lean mass are recurring complaints," reports Ailane.

THCV, on the other hand, stands out for its high tolerability. "It is incredibly gentle. Rarely does a patient report side effects, and when they do, they are isolated events related to dosage," explains the doctor, highlighting that this characteristic favors adherence and improves quality of life during treatment.

The metabolic "superpower" of THCV

Both compounds — Mounjaro and THCV — promote metabolic benefits such as glycemic control, reduction of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

Mounjaro, in fact, has data indicating a reduction of up to 94% in the risk of developing diabetes. The differentiating factor of THCV, according to Ailane, lies in its anti-inflammatory effects.

"It protects fat cells like a shield for metabolism. My patients report improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of well-being — which favors a virtuous cycle of weight loss".

For Casali, Mounjaro and THCV are not rivals. On the contrary, they can be used complementarily. "Tirzepatide has a more potent and rapid effect on fat loss. THCV can be an excellent option for the weight maintenance phase, due to its good tolerability and its action on the emotional causes of obesity".

THCV and CBD, promising synergy

When it comes to cannabis, THCV does not act alone. The combination with cannabidiol (CBD) has enhanced the effects on anxiety and food cravings control.

According to Dr. Casali, the association with other cannabinoids, such as CBD, enhances the therapeutic action. He cites a recent study published in the Cannabis journal, which showed that the daily combination of THCV and CBD contributed to weight loss and improvements in metabolic health, including reduction in waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

The future of obesity treatment may involve cannabis
The recent approval of Mounjaro for weight loss by Anvisa marks an important advance in strategies against obesity in Brazil. However, the emergence of THCV as a natural alternative with a favorable safety profile points to less invasive and more integrative approaches.

"Mounjaro is already a reality for those who can afford it and tolerate the effects. But I believe THCV can be the solution for those seeking something more natural, tolerable, and that addresses the deep causes of obesity," concludes Ailane.